Prebiotic - Feeding Your Probiotics

Prebiotic - Feeding Your Probiotics

There’s been a lot of focus lately on probiotics, but few people have heard of prebiotics. So what are prebiotics, and what’s the difference?

Prebiotics vs Probiotics

You may know that probiotics are the live bacteria in your gut that aid digestion and keep you healthy.

Prebiotics are the food that help the probiotic bacteria in your gut to thrive and flourish. Whatever you consume is what the bacteria in your digestive system will be exposed to.

Unless you’re giving them the foods they need to thrive… you’re going to have a problem.

So an important part of our daily routine should be considering what prebiotics we’re going to be taking to support the good bacteria that keeps us healthy. Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet, or are more of your food choices coming from one section of the pyramid?

If you suffer from leaky gut, IBS, or just want to improve your overall gut health, look for foods high in short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate and propionate.

For example:

• Chicory Root: Often used as a caffeine replacement for coffee, the inulin fibre in chicory roots promotes probiotic gut bacteria and helps break down fat.
  
  
• Jerusalem Artichoke: In addition to inulin fibre, Jerusalem Artichokes are also high in thiamine and potassium which can strengthen your immune and digestive systems.
  
  
•  Leeks: Like garlic and onions, leeks are high in prebiotic inulin fibre and vitamin K, which is good for your heart and bones.
  
  
• Asparagus: The combination of inulin fiber and antioxidants in asparagus promotes gut-friendly bacteria as well as providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
  
  
• Cocoa: Notice, we didn’t say chocolate, but cocoa beans can be a healthy prebiotic snack. As they break down in your digestive system, cocoa beans produce nitric oxide, which is also good for your cardio vascular system.

Supporting Probiotics

Livaux is an example of a prebiotic natural supplement that helps your probiotic bacteria to flourish and recover. It can be used in addition to a probiotic supplement, or on its own to boost the bacteria already living in your digestion system.

Let’s say for example you’re recovering from illness and your doctor has prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics wage total war on all bacteria in your system, both good and bad. More recently, health professionals are getting wise to the fact that recommending a probiotic supplement with your course of antibiotics can help your recovery.

But what’s happening to the probiotics that arrive in your system after the antibiotics have wiped it clean? While it’s great to reintroduce good bacteria, the’ll be limited in what they can do unless there is good food to help them thrive. By taking a prebiotic supplement like Livaux, you’ll be helping the probiotic bacteria get established, so they can better assist your recovery. 

Helping You Stay Healthy

Are you being prescribed antibiotics and want to assist your recovery time? Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and want to take action to stay healthy?

If you’re wanting to make healthier, prebiotic changes to your diet to promote better digestion and gut health, book a time to see Mark Webster, Stay Well Man at Stay Well Pharmacy.

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